Cons

Not extremely close to the beach; ocean views from the rooms are distant

The hotel doesn't provide free beach chairs or umbrellas; they have to be rented

Bottom Line

An extensive renovation completed in 2013 has added a swank, modern feel to this Sonesta Resort. The upscale property has plenty to offer, including several restaurants and an on-site spa, as well as children’s activities. The lovely heated pools are a highlight, as are the gorgeous grounds. But those guests looking forward to a beach vacation should note that this hotel is not right on the water, and beach chairs and umbrellas have to be rented for an extra fee.

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Oyster Hotel Review

This chic resort offers very stylish spaces, with sleek furnishings accented by pops of color. The soaring lobby is a highlight, with its floor-to-ceiling mobile featuring sea glass, driftwood, and crystals. There are plenty of places to lounge throughout the property, with plush couches located both inside and outside the hotel. The impeccably landscaped grounds also offer hammocks and pool cabanas.

Though it looks trendy, the hotel is a popular spot for families, so couples might want to plan their vacations around school breaks.

Like the other resorts that surround it, this property is located at the very end of a private road, and guests need a parking pass or guest pass to gain access at the entrance. The Sonesta Resort is set apart from the nearby hotels by lush greenery. The property is not right on the ocean, but the beach is a few minutes away by foot. There are 20 tennis courts next door at the Van Der Meer Tennis Academy and several golf courses nearby.

The resort is about a 20-minute drive from the nearby Hilton Head Airport, and close to an hour to Savannah, depending on traffic. The Sea Pines Resort with the Sea Pines Forest Preserve is around a 10-minute drive away.

The lobby’s white, grey, and orange color scheme extends into the 340 guestrooms, which are modern and bright. Cushioned headboards are recessed into grey frames and the furniture is super sleek. Private balconies overlook the grounds, but don’t expect clear views of the water from the ocean view rooms.

High-end amenities include flat-screen Smart TVs with Internet access, free Wi-Fi, Keurig coffeemakers, and iHome docking stations. The rooms also offer mini-fridges, hairdryers, robes, safes, irons, and ironing boards. Forget about taking home the toiletries, which are in stainless steel dispensers attached to the walls.

Suites have living rooms and swanky wet bars, two TVs, and a second private balcony.

Heated pools, a lovely spa, and various dining options draw both families and couples

The resort has a long list of features, including two heated pools, as well as bike rentals and a supervised kids' club that offers activities such as arts and crafts. The shore is a little bit of a walk from the hotel, and beach chairs or umbrellas are not provided for free (guests can rent them). There are several restaurants on-site, meaning both indoor and outdoor dining options are available. However, only one spot offers dinner.

A luxe spa features a comprehensive list of services, including massages, body treatments, and facials. There is also a 24-hour fitness center. The property also offers meeting rooms and a large outdoor event space that is commonly used for weddings or rehearsal dinners. A “tech lounge” off the lobby has free Wi-Fi, computer stations and printers, and a large flat-screen TV.

The resort is dog-friendly, but fees and weight limits apply. Guests with pets are assigned the first floor rooms.